Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Redemption Unites all in Christ

Bible Reading: Galatians 3:26-29

Key Verse :Verses 26-27:  “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

DEVOTION

According to Websters Dictionary, the word “Redeem” means to buy back, to free from captivity usually by paying a ransom, to free from the bondage of sin, etc.  “Redeemed is the terminology used for the way slaves gained their freedom in Greco-Roman society as well as for Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 15:13; Psalm 77:15), and the servitude in Babylon (Isaiah 42:1).  The Redeemer has to pay a price in order to secure the release of something or someone.  It connotes the idea of paying what is required in order to liberate from oppression, enslavement, or another type of binding obligation.   

1.  Christ the Redeemer:

The apostle Paul provides the fullest explanation connecting the redemptive work of Christ with the legal declaration of the sinner’s pardon and the appeasement of God’s wrath against sin (Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30).  Based on the ransom price of His own blood paid by Christ, all believers, irrespective of who they are, get forgiveness from their sin.  Racial, social, and gender distinctions that so easily divide in no way hinder a person from coming to Christ in order to receive His grace and mercy.  Paul also says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness if sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7-8).  Believers have been adopted by God Himself.  Although we were once enemies, we have been made His sons.  Even though we deserve judgment, we will receive an eternal inheritance from our Father in heaven.

2.  Redemption Unites All:

Once we are redeemed by the blood of Christ, we are no longer a slave to the devil, but sons of God.  We are no longer in slavery under the basic principles of the world.   We got rid of the weight that was put on us by the world.  That means that we are all members of the same family and, therefore, children of God.  When we become the children of God, not only we are united with Christ, but also are united with the community of believers.  The book of acts gives us a picture of a remarkable unity among believers, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer” (2:42).   Unity is beautiful because it is the desire of our Savior Jesus Christ.   When His children dwell together in unity, how sweet that is, how wonderful that is, how pleasing it is to God.   Not only it is the desire of our Savior but also it is the delight of the saved.  More than that, it is the dread of Satan because he does not like for God’s children to be together, united in their fellowship.   No doubt that the devil loves to sow discord among God’s children.  
  

   PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for building your church - the community of believers - with different stones of shapes and sizes, and making each one secure as you are the cornerstone.  Help us as your redeemed children to live in unity for the glory of your kingdom.  Amen. 

Thought for the day

What joy and peace we forfeit when we sow conflict among brethren.  

Daniel Thomas
Orlando MTC, Florida  

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